Jellybean Benitez
/ Press

“Beats and booze ... That's all you really need for some good club fun in the Magic City.... But when you throw in dance tunes from some of the most talented DJs in the party biz, you get the six best club bashes in the 305, from Grammy Award-winning megastar Skrillex at Mansion to techno legend Dubfire at Story to "soulful house" king Jellybean Benitez at Don't Sit.”

“Jellybean Benitez: "A Lot of EDM is Lacking Passion" ` Dance music culture as we know it today owes much to the seminal New York City scene of the '70s and '80s, and pioneering DJs like John "Jellybean" Benitez. While he would go on to an illustrious career as a producer, putting his Midas touch on chart-topping hits by the likes of Madonna and Whitney Houston, Benitez's artistic identity today remains firmly rooted in that golden era of nightlife he helped found.
On his fondest memories of that time, Benitez tells Crossfade: "I was able to witness and hear some of the greatest DJs in NYC during their prime, at the residency that made them famous. For example, Larry Levan at the Paradise Garage, David Mancuso at the Loft, and Richie Kaczor at Studio 54”

“A world away from the red rope exclusivity of Studio 54, a group of working class kids from New York's outer boroughs created their own alternative scene. Their place of worship was The Funhouse and the high priest of hedonism a Latino DJ from the South Bronx named John "Jellybean" Benitez.”

“Anyone can queue MP3s through Serato, some can play sets with their collection of 12-inches, but a DJ night with only 45s? Until a backward-looking Brooklyn dive attempts to throw a party where DJs have to stick to wax cylinders, no one is going to touch Bowery Electric’s Mobile Mondays, the weekly event where residents like Operator EMZ, Joey Carvello, Natasha Diggs, and (when he’s not touring the world) Just Blaze, with guests like Biz Markie, Kenny Dope, DJ Scratch, and Spinderella keep you moving without the help of any records above seven inches. Whether it’s your first time or 40th, tonight’s party is a must-attend, as the one and only Jellybean Benitez—resident at the Funhouse, producer for Madonna and Whitney,”

“The Mobile Mondays crew is at it again at The Bowery Electric. In case you missed my previous post—Biz Markie led a crazy party—the weekly event features local DJs and performers at a great location with tons of dance music in every genre you can think of. This coming Monday’s event is downstairs at the Bowery Electric at 11 PM and features Jellybean Benitez as the headlining act. This guy is a big deal; a native New Yorker, he became much more than a local act. For instance, he produced the 1985 #1 hit “Crazy for You” by Madonna. ... he “has produced and/or remixed over one-hundred ‘Top 10’ hits and more than thirty-five #1 records, and has compiled an unrivaled discography of platinum and multi-platinum smashes.””

“Fall’s most coveted invitation was a glossy black poster mailed to 600 VIPs; it heralded a one-night-only reincarnation of Ian Schrager’s famed Studio 54 nightclub, marking the first time he’s officially sanctioned a disco party since the club closed its doors more than 30 years ago. He made the exception to toast the one-year anniversary of his glossy Chicago outpost, Public hotel (1301 N. State), on Oct. 9. danced to the beats of DJ John “Jellybean” Benitez in the Pump Room. The party raged on until ....”

“Public Hotel Celebrates First Anniversary with Studio 54-Inspired Evening
Ian Schrager hosted an invite-only event last night at The Pump Room. tudio 54 may have shut its doors decades ago, but the infamous New York nightclub was brought back to life last night by Public Hotel founder/former Studio 54 co-owner Ian Schrager to celebrate the hotel’s one-year anniversary. Studio 54 stalwarts like DJ Johnny “Jellybean” Benitez
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“Public Hotel's One Year Studio 54 Themed Disco Bash Brought Out the Stars ... Last night in the final hours of twilight while most of our sleepy Midwestern metropolis was nodding off, the PUBLIC Hotel in the Gold Coast was just waking up; getting its second wind, if we may. Celebrating the new, yet popular hotel's one year anniversary, Studio 54 co-founder Ian Schrager toasted the occasion with Chicago's tremendously social, most beautiful scenesters and a Champagne throwback to the days of his landmark nightlife institution, Studio 54. Among the faces we saw through the lasers, strobes and (at times) thick fog included none other than it's original Studio 54 DJ, DJ John "Jellybean" Benitez and Studio 54 doorman Mark Benecke”

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PUBLIC Chicago, the first hotel to open under Ian Schrager’s new brand, is turning one year old. To mark the anniversary, Schrager has announced that it will bring his New York City Studio 54 to Chicago for a one night only event at PUBLIC on October 9.
The party will pay homage to the renowned New York City club complete with original Studio 54 personalities, including DJ John “Jellybean” Benitez and doorman Mark Benecke. Sirius Radio will broadcast live interviews as well as as the event’s music on its Studio 54 Channel, throughout the night.”

“Soul Of Sydney and Our House Sydney are proud to present NYC House/Disco legend – John ‘Jellybean’ Benitez. One of the world’s most accomplished Producer / DJ’s, ‘Jellybean’ has played an integral part in the development and evolution of ‘dance music’ as we know it.”

“The 2012 DJ Times International DJ Expo - In Atlantic City this August 13-16, the 22nd International DJ Expo “the largest gathering of professional djs in the world” takes place at Trump Taj Mahal Resort & Casino. Admission is gained by purchasing passes through the DJ Times website. The expo spans 4 days and plays host to a variety of parties, seminars and industry related activities. This year’s keynote speakers include Paul Van Dyk and Jellybean Benitez. Previous years featured performances and appearances by Grandmaster Flash, Jazzy Jeff, 50 Cent, Pharell Williams, Lady Gaga, BT and countless others.”

“I grew up in the South Bronx. Most of the older kids wanted to be bouncers or drug dealers or pimps. Meanwhile I’m over playing 45s in the corner when they tell me, You know, in the clubs we work at, the DJ has TWO turntables and the music never stops. That blew my mind, and when I saw it I was totally amazed. I was never going to be big enough to be a bouncer, but I could be a DJ. –Jellybean Benitez”

“Jellybean Benitez to Speak & Spin at DJ Expo in Atlantic City, NJ ... DJ Expo is proud to present a “Keynote Q&A” with industry legend Jellybean Benitez, who will discuss his rich career—both in and out of the DJ booth—on Day 3 of the show.”

“Gregg Barrios's play 'I-DJ' queers the Bard, the barrio, and beyond ... I-DJ features a queer Chicano DJ, christened Amado Guerrero Paz, who takes the strategically anglicized stage name Warren Peace (as in War and Peace), which fits the turbulence of his life. He is a composite of foundational club DJ Jellybean Benítez (who wooed and produced Madonna)”

“Jellybean Benitez, D.J. and executive producer at “Studio 54 Radio,” at Sirius XM “You had this woman moaning and groaning, like she was having an orgasm. And it went on forever. But no one seemed to mind. You’d just play that record and turn the lights off. Seventeen minutes was enough time to fulfill a lot of fantasies.””

““It was a big surprise,”said John (Jellybean) Benitez, the famed deejay, producer and remixer who had worked with Summer and is now executive producer of Sirius XM’s Studio 54 Radio.
Donna Summer dead at 63: Legendary disco singer succumbs to cancer
Pop stars, like Elton John, and deejays recall her legacy and hits of the '70s-'80s
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“In 1984, the highly-regarded New York dance DJ and producer known as John "Jellybean" Benitez slapped his name on this LP and the rest was history. With some help from "United Artists" subway spraying crew members Seen and Duster, Jellybean's Wotupski!?! became an instant icon.”

"Holiday": This one was Madonna's first Dance/Club chart-topper. It peaked at No. 1 along with "Lucky Star" in 1983. Sweetened to perfection by Madonna's producer/boyfriend Jellybean Benitez, "Holiday" was a fresh, effervescent triumph for the budding pop star. It spent five weeks on top of the Dance/Club chart, and would also be her first of a couple crates' worth of singles to enter the Billboard Hot 100 and, by all accounts, is still Madonna's favorite Madonna song.

“Literary lothario Salman Rushdie spent Thursday night perusing objects of great mystery and beauty. But this time they were not members of the opposite sex. The author took in the opening of artist Victor Matthews’ new show of paintings, “The Vortex.” Rushdie arrived with Francesco Clemente at the De Buck Gallery in Chelsea, for the exhibition and party hosted by Russell Simmons, who was famously saved from drowning by Matthews in the Hamptons back in 2009. DJ Jellybean Benitez spun for art lovers till the early hours. While Simmons bought one Matthews painting, it was not immediately clear if Rushdie, who was seen chatting to a tall blond, picked up anything — or anyone.
Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesix/rushdie_in_art_vortex_Q7vnHW4tHDMylvidw4iSSN#ixzz1jdg03szl”

“John "Jellybean" Benitez is inseparable from the history of popular dance music. The pioneering Nuyorican DJ-producer got his start spinning records at some of New York City's most seminal nightclubs, including the legendary Studio 54 and Paradise Garage.”

“Got to Boogie on the Disco ‘Round: Studio 54 Radio on SiriusXM
“People are still dancing to these songs 30 years later,” Mr. Benitez, who is firmly in the disco-never-died camp, said by phone Monday from Ft. Lauderdale, where he was preparing for a club gig. The music of the 1970s and early ’80s, he added, “still lifts today.” Mr. Benitez is soliciting tracks from other D.J.s from the disco era and will open his own vault of tens of thousands of CDs, 45s, 8-tracks and reel-to-reels for the station, relishing the opportunity to play music that has not been heard on the radio before – dance versions of songs that weren’t even commercially available at the time.”

“The Disco Files 1973-78: New York's Underground Week by Week by Vince Aletti
Each weekly entry contains lists of a few notable DJs' favorite records (contributors include Jellybean Benitez, Walter Gibbons, and Larry Levan) and aggregated lists of the most popular tracks amongst DJs for that period-- a useful resource for hours of YouTube surfing.”

“The naughty burlesque sex kittens of Back Door Bamby host the festivities at The Vagabond with Jellybean Benitez in charge of the music.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/06/25/2283243/the-calendar.html#ixzz1QUjYOxqU”

“Poppin' Jelllybeans
Jellybean Benitez - Ain't Nothing But A House Party
In the realm of cool and soulful DJs there will always be a warm place reserved for the fantastic Jellybean Benitez. As one of the most influential producers/DJs from the anything-goes '80s club scene in New York, Benitez's energetic mixing style helped define what we now know as house music. Part of his legendary reputation was forged when he produced the single "Holiday" for a then-up-and-coming singer known as Madonna. He also remixed all of the early tracks from Madge's now classic debut album. Find out more about Jellybean Benitez playing in Miami on Crossafde by clicking here
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“With house hero Jellybean Benitez as the musical directer, and a sound system designed by clubland vet Shorty, this 8,000-square-foot Queens club certainly has the pedigree for success. Now, it's just a question of whether clubbers want to party down in the outskirts of Long Island City on the weekends.”

“In continuing the tradition of bringing you Miami’s hottest parties, The Vagabond presents Back Door Bamby: Ain’t Nuthin but a House Party. If house music is your thing, then this is your party. All the way from New York, DJ Jellybean Benitez will be spinning all night. Having worked with stars like Madonna, Benitez is famous for his remixes and skills as making the best house music. Join him and party the night away on June 25.”

“Jellybean Benitez Announces Wednesday Party @ Beekman Beer Garden Beach Club
I think the first thing people are going to say is, what is the Beekman Beer Garden? The Beer Garden which just opened a few weeks ago is residing in the spot that use to house the South Street Seaport Water Taxi Beach. Not much has changed cosmetically, with the space looking almost exactly the same as the Water Taxi Beach. And with that, Jellybean Benitez has announced that he will be running a party on selected Wednesdays all summer long.”

“Aint nuthin but a house party and one ol nasty house party joinging forces to take you even deeper with house music all night long... djs jellybean benitez and jihad muhammad sunday june 12, 2011 system danceclub 32-10 37th avenue long island city subway directions: n/q to 36th ave or e/m/r to 36th street hosted by: robbi and evelyn santos music by::: jellybean benitez and jihad muhammad vibe begins at 6pm free for anbahp card carrying members for the first hour general admission: $10 b4 8pm - $15 after contact info: ain’t nuthin’ but a house party info@aintnuthinbutahouseparty
Read more: http://events.nydailynews.com/long-island-city-ny/events/show/191552146-aint-nuthin-but-a-house-party-with-jellybean-benitez#ixzz1QCKly8mf”

"Love Will Save the Day" is the fastest-tempoed song on the album Whitney. Produced by Jellybean Benitez and featuring Roy Ayers, the song is one of the uptempo numbers on the album that also includes "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" and "So Emotional".

“The original Madonna producer, responsible for "Holiday" and "Crazy for You"- Jellybean quickly became dance music's most sought-after remix master, working with artists as diverse as Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Huey Lewis, Hall & Oates, Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson & Billy Joel. Benitez was also one of the first inductees into the Dance Music Hall of Fame. As a DJ, Benitez worked at notable clubs like Electric Circus, Studio 54 and Funhouse. Benitez also found success hosting a weekend dance radio show at WKTU. Presently J.B runs his own label (Jellybean Soul) and presents a monthly by-invitation-only soulful house music party called Aint Nuthin' But A House Party (ANBAHP) in NYC.
We invite you to "FEEL THE SPIRIT" with one of Dance Music's greatest living LEGENDS - Under the sun, moon and stars @ Sunnyside Pavilion!
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“The original Madonna producer, responsible for "Holiday" -- and also notable for early dance-pop numbers from Whitney Houston -- Benitez was one of the first inductees into the Dance Music Hall of Fame. He spins for the weekly house party Red Fridays at U Street Music Hall, reviving some of the magic from his pioneering days several decades ago as an influential DJ at legendary New York clubs, including Studio 54. DJs Juan Zapata and Joe L. open. Friday, Aug. 13, starting at 10 p.m. U Street Music Hall, 1115A U St. NW. Tickets are $10. Call 202-588-1880 or visit ustreetmusichall.com.”

“Jellybean Benitez had a hand in some of the greatest pop (and early hip-hop) tracks of the ’80s. As a producer and remixer, he worked on Afrika Bambaata’s “Planet Rock,” Whitney Houston’s first album, and a good chuck of Madonna’s 1983 debut. Benitez has put in many hours in the name of moving dance floors, but before racking up all of those production/mixing credits, he worked as a disco DJ. And he still spins 30 years later. These days, his specialty is soulful house, but even if that’s not your thing, show up anyway—even if for no other reason than to thank him for “Lucky Star.” (Sarah Godfrey)”

“Despite the fact that they are often the single-most important force behind the success of a hit record, it isn't often that producers come out of the control room to share in the public spotlight with musicians and vocalists. In this respect, Jellybean Benitez joins the ranks of such notable producers as Phil Spector, Alan Parsons, Quincy Jones, George Martin, and a handful of others who have come to symbolize the certain style and feel of a musical genre. In fact, Benitez's name carries such a recognition factor in the pop and dance music realms that it is often displayed as prominently on the record cover as that of the artist. Occasionally his is the only name appearing on the product, as in the case of the four "solo" albums he has released since 1984.”

“The Bronx Walk of Fame, 5 Of Boro's Best Shine On Sidewalk. Regis Philbin, Nate (Tiny) Archibald, Robert Klein, Jellybean Benitez and Renee Taylor were the first inductees. Borough President Fernando Ferrer presented each of them with a sign on the Walk of Fame, which stretches from E. 150th St. to E. 151st St. on the Grand Concourse.”

“The Dance.Here.Now. crew is back with its weekly spin-off bash, held on the main floor of Santos. Tonight’s big-name guest is the veteran spinner, producer and label honcho Jellybean Benitez. He’s been one of NYC’s top jocks since his Latin-freestyle days at the Funhouse in the early ’80s and is still kicking dance-floor butt today.
Read more: http://newyork.timeout.com/events/clubs/350416/danceheretoo#ixzz0tRcXyGaA
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“Wow—this would be a great event at which to recover from your Fourth of July partying, with a triad of disco and house DJs with approximately 80 years of experience between them plying their trade along the banks of the Hudson. Danny Krivit, of course, is a resident at Body & Soul and the man behind the 718 Sessions; Jellybean Benitez's career stretches back to the Funhouse glory days and beyond; and Tony Smith dates back to the first wave of NYC disco DJs in the early ’70s and played in such hallowed halls as Barefoot Boy and Xenon.
Read more: http://newyork.timeout.com/events/clubs/348271/4537666/danny-krivit-jellybeat-benitez-tony-smith#ixzz0syHUoNqM
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“Free Events in New York City this Weekend
New York Times
There will be soul and funk tunes from Mr. Krivit's “718 Sessions” and “Body and Soul” mixed CDs, along with music from Mr. Benitez's “Jellybean Soul” ...
New York Times
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“Club Review: Jellybean Benitez at the Vagabond, August 30 ... Better Than: Any other house music night in town.
The Review:
In the realm of cool and soulful DJs there will always be a warm place reserved for the fantastic Jellybean Benitez. As one of the most influential producers/DJs from the anything-goes '80s club scene in New York, Benitez's energetic mixing style helped define what we now know as house music.
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“Jellybean Benitez Spins 45s at Mobile Monday This coming Monday’s event is downstairs at the Bowery Electric at 11 PM and features Jellybean Benitez as the headlining act. This guy is a big deal; a native New Yorker, he became much more than a local act.”

“On October 1st Release celebrates its 2 year anniversary. Every week DJ Disciple has some of the most talented artists playing beside him at the landmark venue Sapphire Lounge. JELLYBEAN BENITEZ is the headliner for the night with DJ Justice playing the opening set. Come celebrate with us.”

“Jellybean Benitez & DJ Disciple @ Release 2 Year Anniversary On October 1st Release celebrates its 2 year anniversary. Every week DJ Disciple has some of the most talented artists playing beside him at the landmark venue Sapphire Lounge. JELLYBEAN BENITEZ is the headliner for the night with DJ Justice playing the opening set. Come celebrate with us. Tuesday October 1st”

“Jellybean Benitez & DJ Disciple @ Release 2 Year Anniversary @Sapphire. On October 1st Release celebrates its 2 year anniversary. Every week DJ Disciple has some of the most talented artists playing beside him at the landmark venue Sapphire Lounge. JELLYBEAN BENITEZ is the headliner for the night with DJ Justice playing the opening set. Come celebrate with us.”

“Mobile Mondays with Jellybean Benitez
Anyone can queue MP3s through Serato, some can play sets with their collection of 12-inches, but a DJ night with only 45s? Until a backward-looking Brooklyn dive attempts to throw a party where DJs have to stick to wax cylinders, no one is going to touch Bowery Electric’s Mobile Mondays, the weekly event where residents like Operator EMZ, Joey Carvello, Natasha Diggs, and (when he’s not touring the world) Just Blaze, with guests like Biz Markie, Kenny Dope, DJ Scratch, and Spinderella keep you moving without the help of any records above seven inches. Whether it’s your first time or 40th, tonight’s party is a must-attend, as the one and only Jellybean Benitez—resident at the Funhouse, producer for Madonna and Whitney, and solo artist behind 1984 freestyle classic “The Mexican”—makes his Mobile Mondays debut.”

“Anyone can queue MP3s through Serato, some can play sets with their collection of 12-inches, but a DJ night with only 45s? Until a backward-looking Brooklyn dive attempts to throw a party where DJs have to stick to wax cylinders, no one is going to touch Bowery Electric’s Mobile Mondays .. tonight’s party is a must-attend, as the one and only Jellybean Benitez—resident at the Funhouse, producer for Madonna and Whitney, and solo artist behind 1984 freestyle classic “The Mexican”—makes his Mobile Mondays debut..”